Hundreds of pet companies have confirmed there is only one place to be this Autumn…and that’s exhibiting at PATS 2024.

The showpiece event, taking place over three days from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October will be packed solid with more than 340 leading companies eager to exhibit their products and services to visiting UK and international buyers.

The mood amongst the exhibitors is one of keen anticipation as the biggest-ever Pet & Aquatics Trade Show moves closer.

Julian Grindey, the new managing director of Pedigree Wholesale, summed up the level of excitement by saying: “We’re thrilled to be exhibiting at this year’s three-day PATS. This will be my inaugural visit to PATS, and I warmly welcome the chance to meet with our customers and partners.

“This event presents a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the very best of Pedigree Wholesale, and we’re proud to showcase our brand and extensive wholesale offerings.

“The extended show will now make it easier for more customers to visit us over the three days, while allowing us to spend more valuable time connecting with suppliers and exploring the exciting new products available. We’ll be at stand D10 and look forward to seeing you there.”

Inventor Cat director Victor Carpio, who won investment from Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden when he appeared on the BBC hit series earlier this year, announced he will be showcasing his innovative Dental Wand product at PATS. He said: “We cannot wait for the show to arrive. There isn’t a better place to introduce everyone to our product range.”

Tracey Powiesnik, of No Fuss Fill, commented: “Following the success last year at our first-ever PATS, we are thrilled to be exhibiting again. It’s the perfect platform for new companies to launch their product ranges into the market. We eagerly anticipate catching up with our customers, meeting new retailers, and showcasing the exciting enhancements to our range for 2024.”

PATS is definitely THE place to be this Autumn so make sure you register for free entry to the show at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors.

Here’s a taste of the visitor features at PATS 2024:

• The biggest ever New Product Showcase and Awards, with over 350 entries to date
• Dedicated Aquatics Zone for reptile, aquatics and watergardening specialists
• New Starter Zone for start-ups and new businesses
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Grooming Workshop including insightful demonstrations, competitions and talks
• Unique networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

Opening times

Sunday, 29th September 2024: 9.30am-5pm

Monday, 30th September 2024: 9.30am-5pm

Tuesday, 1st October 2024: 9.30am-4pm

Transport for Wales (TfW) has partnered with pet firm Dewkes to launch a new dog treat menu – a UK first for the rail network.

With the increasing popularity of dog-friendly destinations across the Wales and the Borders network, TfW has expanded its offerings to cater to the needs of dog owners on selected rail services running between north and south Wales.

Partnering with Dewkes Snack For Dogs, TfW is offering passengers and their furry companions a convenient and delightful treat option with all treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients.

The Dewkes range caters to dogs of all shapes and sizes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every dog’s palate whilst on the go.

Piers Croft, Transport for Wales On Board Director said: “With so many beautiful parts of Wales and the Borders accessible by TfW Services we are delighted to welcome the whole family including the four legged members on board our trains.

By stocking Dewkes snacks we are making sure that everyone is catered for.”

James Bygate, Managing Director at Dewkes, said: “We are thrilled to launch this new era of dog friendly travel to deliver on our purpose - providing healthy nutritional snacks for the social dog on the go” 

This innovative initiative not only enhances the travel experience for dog owners but also supports local businesses and promotes sustainability with snacks packaged in sustainable, recyclable materials.

Dewkes is a South Wales based family run company renowned for its sustainable and delicious dog treats. The Dewkes range caters to dogs of all shapes and sizes, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every dog’s palate.

Dewkes has received support from the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP) funded through Welsh Government. This included mentoring and specialist advice on market analysis and planning, coaching and developing a customer relationship management system.

Dewkes has been honoured with the prestigious Farm Shop & Deli Award 2024. This recognition reflects the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality products and supporting dog-friendly venues across the UK, celebrating Dewkes’ ongoing commitment to excellence, community, and innovation in the pet sector. TfW provides a warm Welsh welcome for all its passengers and that now includes the four-legged ones.

Durham Animal Feeds has officially listed the full Frozzys range of frozen and ambient ‘Happy Gut’ treats for dogsfor distribution across the UK. This partnership represents a significant expansion of Frozzys' distribution network, ensuring that dog owners nationwide can easily access these popular, healthy treats.

Michael Hunt, Managing Director of Frozzys, commented: “This is an excellent addition to our distribution channel. We are excited to partner with Durham Animal Feeds, given their extensive reach and reputation within the raw dog food industry. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our own values.”

Speaking on behalf of Durham Animal Feeds, Lee Hornsby, the Business Unit Director, said: “We are delighted with this partnership and see it as a real opportunity to deliver a product range that sits within our core values. Frozzys' dedication to providing naturally nutritious products aligns perfectly with our mission to offer the best for our customers’ pets.”

Durham Animal Feeds is one of the largest UK providers of affordable raw food for dogs and has been at the forefront of the raw dog food industry for over 30 years. Their expertise and established distribution network will ensure that Frozzys products are readily available to dog owners across the country.

For more information on where to purchase Frozzys visit www.frozzys.com

A dog first-aid kit has clinched a major New Product Award at this week’s Glee trade exhibition at the NEC Birmingham.

The product from Mountain Paws took the best Pet Product award, and sales manager Henry Brooke said: “It was a little bit of a surprise. We know it's the most popular product from our range. To be shortlisted was a bit of a surprise, but to win was even more of a surprise. We’re over the moon and have had plenty of interest from people so winning has really helped.”

The Wildlife and Bird Care award was won by CJ Wildlife with its Wall Mounted Cork Peanut Butter Feeder. Phil Kent, head of UK B2B sales, commented: “The team are over the moon and really happy. It’s brilliant.”

Pet Remedy, the trusted name in pet calming solutions, has announced an important enhancement to its well-established formula. After taking on board long-standing feedback from pet owners and professionals alike, Pet Remedy has refined its blend of essential oils to deliver the same effective calming properties with a more pleasant smell.

Pet Remedy has long been the go-to solution for managing stress and supporting the emotional well-being of pets, from dogs and cats to birds and reptiles. While its efficacy has never been in doubt, the unusual aroma has often been a topic of discussion amongst users and within the pet professional community. Following two years of careful research and development, Pet Remedy has successfully improved the smell of the formula while preserving the powerful calming effects that have made it a favourite among pet owners, veterinary and pet professionals.

A Refined Blend of Essential Oils

At the heart of Pet Remedy’s success is its unique and patented blend of essential oils, each selected for their specific calming properties:

• Valerian: Valerian is known for its potent calming effects, working to modulate GABA receptors in the brain, thus reducing stress and anxiety in pets.
• Vetiver: Often referred to as the “oil of tranquillity,” vetiver helps to soothe the nerves, supporting emotional stability and calmness.
• Basil: Basil oil contributes to easing nervousness and tension, enhancing the overall calming effect of the formula.
• Clary Sage: Clary sage promotes emotional well-being, adding balance and depth to the blend.

By carefully rebalancing the proportions of these oils, Pet Remedy has created a more floral and pleasant aroma, without compromising the efficacy that pet owners and professionals have come to rely on.

Martyn Barklett-Judge, Managing Director of Pet Remedy, commented: “For years, Pet Remedy has been the trusted choice for calming pets all over the world, and we’ve always taken our customers’ feedback seriously. The message was clear – the formula works brilliantly, but some people weren’t keen on the smell. We’ve addressed that by working closely with Dr. Robert Falconer-Taylor to enhance the aroma whilst ensuring the same powerful results. The new smell is more pleasing for people, and the calming effect on pets is just as strong as ever.”

Scientific Integrity and Continued Excellence

Dr. Robert Falconer-Taylor, a leading expert in veterinary neurology and animal behaviour, played a key role in the decision to refine the formula. He explains: “The rebalanced blend contains the same active ingredients and continues to act through both direct and indirect pathways in the brain, influencing neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. This ensures Pet Remedy remains just as effective in reducing stress and supporting emotional wellbeing in pets, with the added benefit of a more pleasant smell.”

The rebalanced formula is now being introduced to the market, and customers may have already noticed the improved smell. This development is a testament to Pet Remedy’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to meeting the needs of both pets and their owners.

For more information contact: Martyn Barklett-Judge by email martyn@petremedy.co.uk or visit www.petremedy.co.uk

Henry Wag’s pet range of products, including high-quality products designed to keep pets clean, dry, and comfortable, are now available for purchase through Stax Trade Centres. 

Henry Wag made a strong debut to Stax customers at the recent Big Brands Trade Event in Manchester earlier this month. The event was a great success, and the Henry Wag team is excited to bring this exceptional brand to garden centres and hardware stores across the UK.

Moving into the autumn and winter months, it's the perfect time to consider stocking up on Henry Wag's drying range. These products are ideal for the wetter, colder seasons, helping pet owners keep their homes clean and their pets dry. Plus, with Christmas just around the corner, Henry Wag products make fantastic gift ideas for pet lovers.

To learn more about the available range or to place an order, contact your Stax representative or reach out directly to Henry Wag. Don’t miss this opportunity to offer your customers these top-quality pet care products!

A Liverpool-based pet food company specialising in the raw diet, Mersey Raw, has announced plans to expand its operations in the retail sector. This comes on the back of the company’s founder Ben McIntyre becoming a finalist in the prestigious Entrepreneurs Awards, organised by The Entrepreneurs Circle.

The Entrepreneurs Awards will be handed out at the annual Convention which will be held at the ICC in Birmingham from 9-10 September and will host 1,200 people who will be given the opportunity to network and listen to a range of business and celebrity speakers. A gala evening will be hosted by Irish comedian Dara O’Briain on the first night when the awards will be handed out.

Ben, who started out in the food industry working in a factory environment and then progressing to be a Lead Engineer for the Port of Liverpool development, Liverpool 2, has used his ambitious drive to create Mersey Raw.

Ben said: “I did not initially set out to start a Raw Dog Food company. I simply created raw minces for my own dogs, (Luna a four-year old German Shepherd and Pluto a five-year old French Bull Dog,) and then family and friends asked me to do the same for them and then from there it really started to grow.  A local shop was given samples and immediately placed an order which meant I had to get approval from DEFRA, register with the local council and secure premises to start supplying our products. It took around four months to achieve this. That is how Mersey Raw was born. We now have a portfolio of 90 shops and a direct customer base of over 7,000

“The quality of our products are unrivalled on the market along with the service we provide with next day delivery seven days a week directly To Your Door and the convenience of resealable fridge safe, environmentally friendly and recyclable packaging, we take all the hassle and worry out of feeding your dog a raw diet from quality products to quality service.”

Mersey Raw has now set out ambitious plans to increase its retail side embarking on a re-brand and a trade marketing and PR campaign. “Our ideal stockist is one who wants to push the best products based on quality not just margin. If pushed our products move incredibly well and retain strong customer retention. Our stockist is one who works alongside us, gives us valuable feedback and isn’t afraid to pick up the phone. We will work together to have a mutually beneficial relationship,” added Ben.

With an impressive 300% growth rate from Year 1 to Year 2 and with sales hitting nearly £1 million, Mersey Raw has certainly got off to a flying start. They offer an impressive range of boneless and complete mince recipes as well as natural treats using quality human grade meats such as chicken, pork, lamb, beef, venison, turkey, rabbit, duck, tripe, goose and even goat. Customers can buy single varieties or in bundle packages. They also offer fish as well in their treat range. There is something there for even the fussiest dog or sensitive of tummies.

Ben said: “Our goals for the future are to expand our network and our database. We plan to feed as many dogs as possible a raw diet not just a basic diet but a quality nutritional advanced diet removing all harmful and unnecessary ingredients from their food. We will build a community of passionate dog owners leading the way in the world of nutrition.”

For further information visit: www.merseyraw.com

OSCAR Pet Foods is celebrating 30 years of providing quality pet nutrition and outstanding customer service. To mark this milestone, the company has offered a limited-time promotion: 15% off on new start-up franchises.

This special offer presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to join the OSCAR family and start their own rewarding business in the pet care industry. With three decades of experience, OSCAR Pet Foods has built a trusted brand that continues to thrive, and now, we're inviting you to be part of our success.

Since 1994, OSCAR has been committed to providing high quality, nutritious pet food that not only satisfies our cherished companions but also contributes to their overall health and well-being.

Over the past 30 years, OSCAR Pet Foods has grown from strength to strength with a strong established network of franchisees throughout the UK. The company’s journey has been fuelled by a passion for animals and a desire to create balanced and tasty meals that cater to the unique nutritional needs of every pet.

As a franchisee, you'll benefit from our proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support, making your journey into franchising as seamless as possible. Whether you're passionate about pets or looking for a new career path, this is the perfect time to take the leap.

OSCAR’s core franchise package, usually priced at £8,995 + VAT, now comes with an exclusive 15% anniversary discount!

Resale businesses can also join in the celebrations with a targeted social media campaign to boost existing business.

Freephone: 0800 068 1106

www.oscar.co.uk

No Fuss Fill has announced the launch of the No Fuss Fill EcoRenew, marking a significant milestone in the manufacture of its enrichment toy filling tool. 

This new product integrates sustainability with practicality, optimises manufacturing processes, and stays true to their commitment to enriching the lives of dogs and the people who care for them. 

The EcoRenew  offers a planet-friendly alternative to the original No Fuss Fill, without compromising on performance or quality.

The EcoRenew-No Fuss Fill builds on the original design to simplify the process of filling dog enrichment toys,  whilst giving owners freedom to choose a filling to match their dog’s dietary needs and avoid allergens.  Plus it's a convenient way to use their dog’s wet or raw food during training sessions. 

The EcoRenew-No Fuss Fill is an affordable, versatile, and eco-friendly solution that enhances the enrichment experience for dogs and their owners. 

Tracey Powiesnik (Mrs P) said: “From the outset, No Fuss Fill aimed to create a product using recycled materials. However, sourcing suitable recycled plastics domestically was initially a challenge, with the available options not meeting our technical and aesthetic standards. Importing "ocean-bound plastics" was considered, but concerns over the carbon footprint and the credentials of these materials led us to pursue a more genuine, sustainable solution. With the EcoRenew-No Fuss Fill, we have achieved this vision. 

“Made from recycled (PIR) plastic that would have otherwise been discarded, the EcoRenew offers the same technical standards as the original No Fuss Fill while minimising carbon emissions and environmental impact.

“Manufactured in the UK, the EcoRenew is a testament to our ongoing dedication to reducing our ecological footprint while maintaining the highest standards of material provenance and safety.

“Innovative and Eco-Friendly Packaging:Our sustainability efforts extend beyond the product itself. The EcoRenew-No Fuss Fill is packaged using recycled, recyclable cards, reducing waste and supporting our environmental goals. In addition, we have introduced Buyerdock iQR Codes on the packaging, allowing customers to access product information in their local language, enhancing engagement while reducing the need for extensive printed material.” 

No Fuss Fill  will showcase the EcoRenew at PATS 2024.

Design agency STORMBRANDS has continued its creative partnership with Pets at Home with the launch of Noble – the pet retail group's new premium yet affordable accessories brand. 

The brand, design and communications agency worked on the naming, creative expression and launch of Noble, helping announce the trusted retailer’s new lifestyle-inspired range. STORMBRANDS’ brand comms idea “An Instinct for Style” introduces the UK to a series of characterful pets, with a campaign that captures their envious reactions when encountering Noble accessories for the first time. 

The premium accessories space presents a huge opportunity for Pets at Home. The number of younger pet owners has not only increased, this new breed of shopper is also spending more on the kinds of pet products that reflect their own values and style. Over the last few years, many new pet accessories brands have entered the market: both smaller challenger brands and high-street fashion brands launching pet lines. With a lot of them positioning themselves as high-end pet fashion, there was an opportunity to highlight Pets at Home’s qualities as a trusted retailer for products that work and deliver the best experience for pets at an accessible price. 

STORMBRANDS started by delving into the patterns and insights that might drive purchase behaviour, finding that today’s consumers share a life with pets like never before. From there, they decided that the campaign’s pet-to-parent relationship and product-to-habitat aesthetic needed to feel seamless. Collars, leads, harnesses and beds express a sense of style and luxury that reflects the owner’s taste and their feelings towards their furry family members. 

Affordable style, contemporary swagger

Choosing the name Noble, STORMBRANDS created an aspirational brand that delivers associations of heritage with a waggle of contemporary swagger. Everything about the brand world – from identity to packaging, to comms launch – was designed to live up to the promise the Noble name was making. The brand idea also talks to a price savvy audience who want pet products that turn heads without breaking the bank. 

STORMBRANDS crafted a brand architecture for Noble that covered a number of accessories categories: bedding, walking, fashion, feeding and travel. Linking all those together is the brand wordmark which takes it cues from the fashion world, with special attention to the kerning and flicks and kicks of the ascenders and descenders to give it an elevated feeling. And, where space allows, always locked up with ‘Crafted by Pets’, as a link back to the expertise and knowledge the Pets at Home masterbrand offers. 

The agency leveraged the ‘O’ within the brand name to use as an icon, echoing a pendant or tag on a collar. On smaller formats it’s used as a monogram synonymous with the brand ID. It can be embossed or embroidered onto the accessories themselves or used as a pattern in the packaging and product wrapping. The labels, hangers and packaging are given a sensorial luxurious feel with thick textured stock and multiple leaves providing a sense of discovery. The premium aesthetic is further supported through tone of voice, informative technical illustrations, beautifully shot photography and gold foil detail. 

The doggy double-take

STORMBRANDS brought “An Instinct for Style” to life as a comms platform in a distinctive and ownable way by capturing moments when passing pets give an envious glance or longing stare towards Noble’s unmistakable style. It’s a double-take that sets some pets, and this campaign, apart. While the images hero pet interactions, they also feature hints of pet parents to convey the closeness of the relationship shared, extending to the way they dress and live.

With this project, STORMBRANDS delivered a differentiated and elevated brand identity, with a strong and easy to implement label design that considers future categories. The brand shifts pet accessories from a functional choice to a more aspirational and emotive purchase. Noble gives reason to current and new pet-parents to step into a premium world that reflects their own values and style. It also elevates the Pets at Home masterbrand, helping people see it as a destination for style and lifestyle as well as expertise.

Seamless style for younger pet parents

“Working so collaboratively with STORMBRANDS on this has set us up for future growth with a brand that is elevated and aspirationa,l yet has bags of character,” said Kristina Potts, Pets at Home Senior Brand Manager. “The creative is pitched perfectly to appeal to the next wave of younger consumers looking for pet accessories that match their values and style, as well as our core audience. The comms platform provides us with the tools to easily promote our growing range and continue to build equity and recognition in the Noble brand.”

Jessica Carter, STORMBRANDS Account Director said: “Starting with a blank canvas is always an exciting challenge, particularly for a stylish new pet brand with such mainstream potential. Pets at Home is known for expertise, trust and experience, but with this launch we tapped into the emotive feeling of the new Noble brand, as well as the products themselves. Also, because we created the brand and the comms that sprang from it, we could see what’s coming down the line, so we could plan for it and make sure that every element is consistent.”

 
About STORMBRANDS

STORMBRANDS is an independent branding, design and communications agency that never settles. Bringing a restless creativity to the complex challenges and opportunities facing brands today, it moves markets, mindsets and culture. The agency defines, designs and delivers brands to help clients realise their full potential. Specialisms include portfolio definition; brand positioning & identity; packaging design; innovation & product development; and creative activation across motion, film and digital. Based in London and Leeds, STORMBRANDS partners with international clients including Kellogg’s, PepsiCo, Asda, Pets at Home and Despar.

Website: https://stormbrands.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stormbrands/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stormbrands.co/?hl=en

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Sniffers Pet Care has been working with its local council to help with its recruitment as the company continues to expand.

Sniffers has been providing pet products and services for over 40 years and is now one of the largest pet treat suppliers in the UK.

The company’s natural dog treat brand NAW launched around 12-months ago and now features in over 300 stores nationwide.

The growth of Sniffers has been supported by Calderdale Council’s Business Growth Team and Employment Hub, who were able to help with their recruitment requirements.

As consumer habits changed during and post-COVID lockdowns, the company were looking to expand and create additional product ranges. In 2021 the company moved into its new large warehouse facility in Elland and as the business continued to grow, it was necessary to recruit additional staff for assembly and packaging line roles.

Sniffers approached the Business Growth Team, and members of the Council’s Employment Hub met with the Chief Operating Officer at Sniffers to understand the company’s recruitment needs.

With the help of the Employment Hub, Sniffers were able to recruit five new warehouse roles within one month and the hub has continued to support the business with further recruitment.

Representatives from Sniffers have also attended the Council’s Reverse Jobs Fair event where they were able to meet and speak with jobseekers to meet potential new candidates.

The company continues to go from strength to strength and since moving to Elland in 2021, the workforce has now more than doubled.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said: “The Council’s Employment Hub is not just there to support people to find work, training or apprenticeships; it also works with local employers, supporting their recruitment needs and advising on employment and skills.

“It’s great to see that this support is helping local businesses to grow and thrive, and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to help Sniffers with their recruitment needs and support their business growth journey.

“It’s a real accomplishment for Sniffers to have their products available nationwide and the company’s continued growth is helping to support jobs and investment opportunities in Calderdale.

“Calderdale is a great place to grow a business. As part of our Inclusive Economy Strategy, we’re committed to doing all we can to unlock the growth potential of our businesses and bring new investment and jobs to the borough.

“I’d encourage anyone looking to start a new business or grow an existing company to get in touch with our Business Growth Team and Employment Hub, for expert advice and support.”

Natures Menu Pet Food showcased its new Pet Pantry concept at the Glee trade exhibition this week.

This groundbreaking partnership programme with garden centres across the UK is designed as a growth-building opportunity that will drive footfall.

The strategic move marks a significant expansion of Natures Menu's distribution channels, introducing a year-round opportunity for pet owners to access premium pet food in a convenient way.

Natures Menu prides itself on offering nutritionally balanced pet food made from high-quality natural ingredients. The garden centre offering gives pet owners even more flexibility to locally purchase their pet’s favourite meals all year round.

Mark Stayman, National Sales Manager at Natures Menu, said: "We are thrilled to embark on this journey with garden centres, enhancing accessibility to our premium pet food offerings. Our objective extends beyond mere distribution expansion: we aim to establish Pet Pantries at garden centres as go-to destinations for pet parents seeking top-tier nutrition for their beloved pets."

With almost a third of the British population (30%) owning a dog or cat, establishing a pet category will benefit garden centres seeking incremental growth and repeat footfall.

Nikki Richardson, Morely Nurseries, said: "Our pet section has never looked better, having grown more than 40% year-on-year. This is testament to the wide range, premium products and knowledgeable team at Natures Menu – a brand I’m very passionate about. I always encourage my customers to change to raw pet food so their dogs can receive the best from their daily diet.”

Natures Menu offers a comprehensive "one stop shop solution" being the only business covering all pet food technologies under one roof. The brand showcased its latest offerings including its brand-new Freeze-Dried range at Glee and was shortlisted in the New Product Awards.

The initial objective for the garden centre partnerships is ambitious, with plans to establish Natures Menu in 600 garden centres by December 2024. The expansion showcases Natures Menu’s commitment to broadening its reach and ensuring accessibility to premium pet food products.

To access the Natures Menu trade portal, visit: https://trade.naturesmenu.co.uk/login

Pets at Home as appointed former Burger King COO, Richard Dening-Smitherman, to head up its veterinary business Vets for Pets.

Richard will join the pets’ executive team as Managing Director of Vets for Pets, and will lead the vet group supported by the Vet Leadership Team and the Practice Owner Joint Venture Council. 

Richard brings with him a wealth of leadership experience across large national and international organisations, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Burger King UK – one of the world’s largest food franchise businesses. 

Prior to this, Richard was Chief Executive Officer at Nando's in the Middle East – leading the expansion of franchise opportunities across the region. He has also held leadership roles at Waitrose and at Intraject, a healthcare technology company, where he led the production development of a new automated needle-free technology.

Commenting on Richard’s appointment, Chief Executive Officer, Lyssa McGowan, said: “Richard has fantastic experience delivering success with some of the biggest brands in franchise based organisations, which will be invaluable in this new role to protect and nurture our unique joint venture model and to continue the development of our vet business.”

Richard said: "I am truly delighted to be joining the Pets family as Managing Director of the Vet Group. Pets is an amazing business with a passionate and caring team that is truly creating a better world for pets and the people who love them. As someone who also loves their pets, I have personally experienced this. Our Vet Group is a world class clinical team, and I am excited to meet everyone and support our business success as we continue building the world’s best pet care platform together.”

A Southampton raw pet food retailer has expanded its delivery service to now include national deliveries.

Healthy Pet Store in Totton had previously only delivered to postcodes in its county and neighbouring counties through its own vans. By introducing national delivery, it will now be able to harness sales in untapped regions.

In the past year, the store has launched its new and improved website - allowing customers to shop the same extensive range of products online that they can find in store.

Managing Director Deborah Burrows said the launch of the national delivery service is the next stage of Healthy Pet Store’s growth. 

She said: “We knew there was demand for our ranges further afield. Now, we are able to serve those customers.”

Local home delivery is a vital part of the store’s offering, with many customers relying on our guaranteed frozen deliveries to keep their pet food supplies topped up. 

Deborah added: “We already provide a reliable and regular service to customers in the southern region via our vans. The expansion to national deliveries has been driven by demand. Each week, we receive several enquiries and checkout attempts for our value-led raw meals for dogs and cats.’"

Healthy Pet Store is an independent pet store based in Totton selling a wide range of raw pet food and pet accessories.

The Pet Industry Federation, the trade association for pet businesses, has launched a new Job Board feature on its website for companies looking for top talent. 

The PIF Job Board connects individuals who are specifically interested in careers within the pet industry with employers, making it easier than ever for companies to find the perfect candidate for vacant positions.

PIF members can post jobs completely free of charge, as part of their membership benefits. Non-members can also use the job board, but there will be a charge for doing so. 

Nigel Baker, PIF CEO, said: “We’re really pleased to have developed this job board for pet businesses and added it to the portfolio of business benefits that members receive as part of their PIF membership. The PIF website attracts thousands of visitors each month, and we hope that the board provides a simple, cost-effective way for companies to target high calibre individuals who will be interested in the roles being advertised.”

To post a job, simply visit the Jobs section of the PIF website – www.petfederation.co.uk. Businesses will need to login to the members' area or contact the team at info@petfederation.co.uk if they are not members to make arrangements. 

Preparations are underway at the new Jollyes superstore at Monks Cross in York which will be opened on 20 September by retired border force protection dog Pablo.

Award-winning pet retailer Jollyes will open its first York store – the 106th in its portfolio at 10.00am on Friday 20 September.

The store, at Monks Cross Shopping Park, Monks Cross Drive, Huntington, York, YO32 9GX will open in a unit vacated by Tui travel earlier this year.

The store is set to be officially opened by two special guests. Performing the red ribbon cutting will be Lord Mayor of York Cllr Margaret Wells who represents Clifton ward. Alongside The Lord Mayor will be retired border force detector dog Pablo who’ll also bite through a strong of sausages to declare the store open.

Pablo, 7, served in the border force on the Yorkshire coast for a number of years but ruptured a disc in his back requiring surgery while running, leading to his early retirement last Christmas.

Cheeky Pablo is now living with new owner Beverley Boynton and has become best friends with her four-year old cat Otis. 

Like many service animals his treatment is being supported in these later years by the National Federation of Retired Service Dogs (NFRSA) which Jollyes recently named as a key charity partner.

The NFRSA helps support the care, well-being, and welfare of retired service animals from across the emergency service family - the police, fire, border force, National Crime Agency, NHS and prison services.

Over the next 12 months, all Jollyes’ stores will be raising money for NFRSA with collections matched by Jollyes up to £20,000 that will help NFRSA support retired service animals and their owners.

The new Jollyes store in York, which will create 12 jobs will be led by experienced Jollyes store manager James Wye who’s been promoted to the new role after five years working for Jollyes in Selby.

What’s more the York store will be a great example of the career development opportunities for colleagues as the pet superstore continues to open new stores at pace.

Joining the York team are Aquilla Fisher who’s been promoted from Supervisor to Deputy Manager after working for Jollyes for four years and Tom Hurleywill transfer from Doncaster store after eight years with the business.

Yorkshire Mix Radio will also provide entertainment on opening day with activity continuing into Saturday with an entertainer and pet theme gameshows on Saturday 21 September giving every customer the chance to spin Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’ to win prizes.

Jollyes new store will provide pet parents in York access to Jollyes’ raw food frozen ‘shop-in-shop’ and a community pet clinic which will open later this year.

Store manager James Wye said: “Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be working hard to get the store ready to welcome our special guests and customers for the first time.

“My whole team is looking forward to delivering the service, expertise – and above all prices – that Jollyes is becoming famous for right across the country.”

Jollyes has grown its store estate by 50 per cent in three years and has had an remarkable start to 2024 winning new investment to supercharge its growth, being named as the best retailer in Britain at the prestigious Retail Week awards for retailers under £250m turnover and making the Sunday Times’ list for the first time as one of Britain’s best big companies to work for.

Jollyes in York will be its 106th store in the UK joining other stores around Yorkshire including Selby, Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield.

The new Aquatics Zone at PATS 2024 – a dedicated hall for the key aquatics, reptile and watergardening exhibitors – will showcase the latest launches from leading manufacturers and suppliers.

With PATS taking place over three days from Sunday, 29^th September to Tuesday, 1^st October 2024, at the Telford International Centre, the Aquatics Zone is sure to be a popular destination for specialist retailers and buyers.

Visitors will find the Zone located in Hall 1A, a prime position immediately next to the show entrance, where almost 40 of the UK’s leading aquatics, reptile and watergardening companies will be exhibiting.

Excitement is already building as the companies plan their activity at the show.

Pettex sales coordinator Liam O’Brien said: “There is a real excitement within the industry about the upcoming Pet and Aquatics Trade Show. The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our existing range, network with existing and potential customers, and celebrate the vibrant trade in which we operate. We will be introducing our new ‘Japanese-style’ aquatic soil Akua to the market, which will be showcased on the Aquatics Zone New Product Showcase.”

Mark Winter, MD of Aqua Pacific (Aqua One), is also excited by the opportunity to launch a new brand of marine and freshwater products onto the UK market at PATS. “We have signed exclusive agreements to distribute Adec Aquarium Supplies Pte Ltd’s ‘Dymax’ brand of marine and freshwater products. We were desperate to get it for the UK as we felt it complements our own Aqua One brand, and PATS gives us the perfect platform to showcase the range alongside our other products.”

Many of the exhibitors are taking advantage of the fact that the Aquatics Zone will have its own New Product Showcase in Hall 1A. All entries into the Showcase will be judged by industry experts to determine the winners of the New Product Awards under three categories: Indoor, Outdoor and Reptile. Entries to the showcase can be viewed on the PATS website by clicking here.

The Aquatics Zone exhibitors include: ALF, Anglo Aquatic Plant, Aqua One, Aquadip, Aquatlantis, Bermuda, Betta Aquatics, BiOrb, Ceramic Nature, CIANO Aquarium, Clearseal Aquariums, Cloverleaf, Dennerle, Dymax, Eheim, eSHa Labs, Exo Terra, Fluval, J&K Aquatics, Neil Hardy Aquatica, NT Labs, OASE, okpet.co.uk – Fish Systems, Peregrine Livefoods, Pettex, PondXpert, sera, Superfish/Colombo/Aquafleur, Tropica Aquarium Plants, Tropical, and Zoo Med Laboratories.

To make the visitor experience even more exciting there will be unrivalled show offers and competitions, fantastic networking opportunities, a free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher.

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find more information about the exhibitors and details on how to reach the venue.

Third-party logistics provider Kammac is capitalising on Britain’s flourishing pet industry with new contracts that promise increased cross-promotional opportunities, efficiency savings, and enhanced service delivery for clients.

Perky Tails, a UK-based manufacturer of dog toys and accessories, is one such business to have chosen to partner with Kammac. The contract, which began in May this year, see’s Kammac as Perky Tails’ chosen storage and fulfilment provider, helping the pet specialist scale its business and enhance customer service.

“Since partnering with Kammac just over two months ago, our operations have been nothing short of fantastic,” said David Primrose, Director at Perky Tails. “Kammac’s communication, responsiveness, and advanced technology solutions have been instrumental in supporting our integration with new marketplaces. They have truly added value to our operations, and I look forward to further strengthening our relationship.”

The Kammac Wavertree 170 site is central to our expansion efforts, serving as a key hub for storing, distributing, and fulfilling a wide array of pet products. Our headquarters at Kammac Skelmersdale M58 365 has also become a crucial location for new clients in the pet industry, providing a combined transportation hub and warehouse for all storage and distribution requirements.

This expansion coincides with significant growth in the pet industry, which is currently valued at £182.7 billion, and experiencing unprecedented demand. UK dog owners alone spend £10 billion annually, while cat owners contribute £8 billion. Currently, 57% of UK households own a pet, and major retailers like Amazon have reported a 67% increase in pet food sales over the past two years. These trends underscore the rising consumer spending in the pet sector and the demand for efficient logistics solutions provided by the likes of Kammac

“With years of experience in the pet industry, we really understand what pet brands need. From storing pet foods to getting them to store and handling e-commerce orders, we cover all of it for our clients” said Ged Carabini, Chief Executive Officer at Kammac.

“As the demand for logistics in the pet sector keeps growing, we’re committed to providing tailored supply chain solutions. Our team is dedicated to offering exceptional service and creative solutions to meet the changing needs of our clients in this exciting market.”

For more information on Kammac’s services for the pet industry: https://www.kammac.com/ecommerce-fulfilment/fulfilment-for-pet-products/